Question 1

How much does a single 3D printed part cost from a service?

Accepted Answer

A small FDM/PLA part can be $10–$50; SLA resin parts $30–$150; SLS/MJF nylon $50–$300; metal parts $200–$1,000+. Volume, finish, and inspection requirements drive price.

Question 2

What file format do services need?

Accepted Answer

STL is universal. STEP/IGES is preferred for dimensional checks and quoting. OBJ works for visual models.

Question 3

Can I negotiate better pricing at volume?

Accepted Answer

Yes. At 50+ units many services offer batch discounts, especially if you allow standard lead times and accept grouped shipping.

Question 4

Is outsourcing slower than in-house?

Accepted Answer

For one-off complex parts, a service is often faster because they have calibrated industrial machines and post-processing already set up. For a quick draft, in-house wins.

Question 5

How do I protect my design when sending files overseas?

Accepted Answer

Use NDAs, split assemblies into non-sensitive sub-parts for quoting, and work with services that have documented IP handling procedures.

Category: buyers-guide

3D Printing Service vs Buying a Printer: The SMB Decision Guide